The Scheme Read online

  “Uh-huh,” Jonathan said as he shook his head.

  Shrugging, she gave him a heated look. “I’ll be very good.”

  “Sheesh. Okay. What do you want us to do?” Travis laughed.

  Tossing back her head, she took a single finger, brushing the tip across the seam of her mouth.

  Travis breathed and inched forward, jerking her hand out of her mouth. “The term blistering your ass mean anything to you?”

  Giggling, she narrowed her eyes as he took her finger into his mouth, using his strong jaw muscles as he moaned. “Damn you! Okay, two questions.” Allowing the pregnant pause, she smiled and batted her eyelashes. “Can either one of you drive a limo and how good are you at keeping a secret?”

  Jonathan inched forward and cupped her chin. “A limo, eh? Uh huh, we’ll listen to more, but talk. Now!”

  Wrinkling her nose, the guilt bubbled to the surface. “Well, she didn’t exactly disappear.”

  Chapter 5

  “God, I want you.” Panting, Nicky purred as she slid her leg around his massive thigh, using the power of her lower body strength to drag him down into the heat of her body.

  “You’re one very bad girl, luv and very tasty.” Mick rose onto his forearms, allowing his long locks to sweep across her face. Leaning down slowly, he nipped her lower lip, taking the tender flesh between his teeth. Sucking gently, he growled and gave her a savage look.

  Her heart racing, the tremors furrowing deep inside her slickened pussy stilled her heart. She was alive with excitement, hungry and in desperate need to have his thick cock impale her. “What do you want?”

  “What do I want? You. I want to take you in such a savage fashion that you beg me for more and then plead with me to stop. I want to fill that sweet pussy of yours with my dick until you can no longer breathe and just when you’re left spent, your heart racing, I want to roll you over onto your stomach and fuck that tight little ass of yours.”

  His groan was feral and laced with a hint of danger, she slid her arms around his neck and arched her back. “Then fuck me hard and fast. I want everything, all of you.” Sweeping her fingers over his cockhead, she lifted and opened her legs in a blatant invitation.

  Mick brushed his lips across hers, darting his tongue inside her mouth before licking across the seam and down her chin. Issuing a swath of hot air, he nibbled on her neck before inching down and circling first one nipple and the other with the tip of his tongue. Tilting back his head, he gazed at her longingly, his eyes darting back and forth across hers.

  Locked in a sensuous moment, neither spoke, yet the whisper of their intimacy remained, reminding them of the need, the raging hunger. Positioning the tip of his cock at her entrance, he gave her a long sullen look before impaling her in one swift motion, driving her up from the bed.

  “Ah!” Gasping, Nicky struggled to hold onto him as he drove into her in a reckless abandon, forcing the iron posts of the headboard to slam against the wall. As her pussy muscles tightened around the pulsing invasion, she whimpered, her legs quivering as he pummeled into her harder and faster. “Oh, yes. Yes!”

  Grunting, his actions becoming predatory, Mick used the entire power of his lower body to take her hard. Stopping short, he drew his shaft all the way out until just the tip was nestled inside. As he cocked his head and licked his lips, he thrust her legs around his neck. “Ready, luv? Ready for more?”

  Her voice barely audible, Nicky moaned, “Yes.”

  As Mick thrust in deep, the sound of his balls hitting her ass floated into the air.

  Stunned, she shook from the intense invasion, her heart thumping, a strangled scream bubbling from her lips. Clenching her fists, she clawed the sheets with one hand and his back with the other. When she drew blood, she tipped her head back…

  Moaning, Nicky jerked and was unable to move. Held down, she fought, scrambling to breathe and to get free from whatever was holding her down. “No!” Panting, she rolled, as she opened and closed her eyes. “Shit!” The intense sunlight burned against her retinas, forcing her to wince and squeal. Finally, she stopped struggling and inhaled deeply, trying to put the pieces together. “Argh!”

  Kicking out, she managed to free one leg from the sheets. “Mmm.” Chuckling, she calmed her breathing and remembered. A flutter of desire sliced into her pussy, forcing her to clench her muscles. “Holy shit!” She’d never had a dream so damn intense. What in the hell had caused that kind of dream?

  Struggling to sit up, she glared at the clock. This was new. The alarm hadn’t awakened her. Perhaps she shouldn’t have drowned her sorrows in the third large glass of red wine. Then again, it was the only thing that soothed her. Nicky had ignored the phone calls, placed the copious number of gifts that were undoubtedly from Mick unopened on her dresser and refused to talk about the upcoming event for almost an entire week. Even Veronica had pounded on her door at all hours of the day and night and she’d remained behind locked doors. Hell, dodging visitors at work had been more than just creative. And where had that gotten her?

  While she hated the answer, she had to admit the truth. Nowhere. She was furious with herself for being a coward and dodging anything simply wasn’t her personality. One day before the event and she had promised not just Mick, but also her friends that she would help and participate. Instead of rallying around them, what had she done? She’d buried herself in work and wallowed in a bottle or five of wine. You're pathetic. The thoughts churning in her gut, she hissed at her little voice as she climbed out of bed.

  Friday morning dawned beautiful and without a cloud in the sky. Nicky had taken the day off and while the planned respite hadn’t been for the purpose of helping with the event, the fact remained that she was going to go to the club and provide assistance. Period. Or else. But how could she face him? The information hurt almost as much as the lies. “No,” Nicky hissed. “You’re not doing this.” Resigned, she shook her head and refused to look at her reflection. Love hungered for and thrown aside was not a pretty sight, especially first thing in the morning. Grabbing her clothes, she headed into the bathroom, visions of Mick dancing in her head. At least he was wonderful eye candy.

  The shower was invigorating but still didn’t help her ugly mood. After three cups of coffee she felt more energized and while she held the phone in her hand for several minutes, she finally dialed Veronica’s number. “Hey you.”

  “Let’s see, who the hell is this? The voice sounds familiar but I’m not sure. Remind me again, if I have a friend,” Veronica chided. “Seriously, I was getting worried.”

  “I know. I’m sorry. I just had to come to terms with—”

  “Your relationship with the hottest Aussie on the face of this earth?” she interrupted.

  “There is no relationship,” Nicky stated defiantly.

  “Uh-huh, all thoughts are to the contrary, but we’ll play the game your way. So, we really could use your help. We have to finish decorating today and I need some creative juices with thoughts about my costume. Your dazzling flair with colors will be perfect.”

  “You’re performing?” Nicky had seen the flyers and bulletins placed all over the place. From what she could tell, there might indeed be press coverage.

  “No, I’m just helping out but I want to look hot for my hunky men you know. Besides, I have no taste in colors.”

  “Right. Liar. Fine, I’m not saying I’ll be happy to help but I did promise.”

  “That’s my girl.”

  “What happened to the county freak? Rod Colton, right?”

  Veronica laughed. “That’s the jerk off. Funny you should mention munchkin man. The odd-looking fellow has some interesting proclivities. Didn’t you tell me you knew the asshole’s boss?”

  “Yeah, Marcus Miller is a business acquaintance and lives in Leopard’s Pointe, why?”

  “Well, I have a rather shameless plan that might keep Mick out of the little prick’s clutches. You game?”

  Hmm, something Nicky could sink her teeth into without re
ally involving her love life. “For this, you bet. You know how I hate government bullshit.”

  “That’s the spunky friend I remember. See if there is any way that you can get your business acquaintance involved, say coming to the festivities at least.”

  Nicky grinned. She knew exactly how to get Marcus to attend. Blackmail. “I think I can do that.” A snazzy idea came to mind. “What kind of proclivities are we talking about?”

  Veronica chuckled. “Let’s just say that Rod Colton has a delicious and very kinky side to him. I’m certain he wouldn’t want his boss to know about it, especially since he keeps art.”

  “Interesting. I can read between the lines. I’m sure Marcus will be a willing partner.” Even if he wasn’t, now was the perfect time for Nicky to claim what was owed to her. Designed paybacks were so scintillating.

  “Excellent. Lunch today with Candy and I, and girl, you’re going to love where we’re going! By the way, Mick got our little pony rip roaring ready to go. The snazzy ride is a lot of fun too.”

  “You’ve been on the contraption?”

  “Hell yeah! We had to try it out. While you’ve been ignoring the entire event, Candy and I have been busy. Even managed to get Froggy hot under the collar. I tell you what, the muscular marine can ride a mean horse,” Veronica cooed, raucous giggles erupting.

  Nicky shook her head. The visions rolling through her mind forced a smile. “Has there been a lot of interest?”

  “Let’s just say I’ve had the boys working overtime and you should see the new flashing sign.”

  “In front of the restaurant? I was just by there yesterday and didn’t see anything.”

  Veronica chuckled. “Well, we came up with a way to hide the beast until dark so the ugly county guy won’t drive by in the middle of the day and see anything out of the ordinary. He has many other activities keeping him busy at night, so no worries there. Anyway, The Flamingo Rustler is more than ready for action. Almost.”

  “This is getting more interesting by the minute.” A smile remaining on Nicky’s face, she was surprised how eager she was to learn every detail. “Tell me more.”

  “Nope, gonna have to see for yourself but I'll tell you that there is a very interesting preview in the morning paper. Get ready girl, because this town has never seen the likes of our shameless event. Ten-thirty we’ll pick you up to play a little then we’ll have a fabulous lunch complete with margaritas before we head to Mick’s place to decorate. And I'll refuse to take no for an answer!”

  “Okay, okay. Ten thirty. So, how goes it with that bet of yours?”

  Veronica let out a long sigh. “Let’s just say I have a brand-new piece of jewelry.”

  “They asked you to marry them?” Nicky gasped.

  “No, silly. I have a new collar,” Veronica stated, her tone holding a lilt.

  “Oh my God, girl! I knew you wanted a bit of play but a collar?”

  “Don’t knock it until you try the lifestyle. Besides, you’d make a damn good submissive.”

  “Uh-huh. Tell me all about the details much later.” Nicky shivered, thoughts of her spanking sliding into the forefront of her mind.

  Veronica laughed. “Party pooper. See you soon.”

  When she hung up the phone, she smiled. Nicky knew Veronica too well. She was a spitfire of a girl and now that she had not one but two men in her bed, she’d turned more than a little bit kinky. Who knew what went on behind closed doors?

  Come here, luv. You need a morning spanking.

  She rolled her eyes and shoved Mick’s sexy face out of her mind. This was going to be a busy day.

  Grabbing the morning paper, she flipped through the entertainment section and the half page color ad drew her attention. “Holy shit!” Veronica wasn’t kidding. The stunning picture of the gleaming horse smack in the middle of a sand box surrounded by neon flashing lights was a bit too provocative for Richmond, Virginia of all places. The text alone was enough to turn most conservative folk on their ear. Scanning the article, she couldn’t resist reading a portion out loud.

  “Are you ready for one wild ride Richmond? Are you ready to see the hottest male and female riders you’ve ever seen gracing a stage? Are you ready to place a bid for your favorite in a chance to win a sizzling date with… what the fuck?” Nicky froze. Seeing both her and Mick’s pictures, dead in the middle of the ad in full color and in… what the hell was she wearing? The tight, very short skirt in vibrant purple was not something she owned. “They airbrushed me. I’m going to kill them with my bare hands.”

  Holy hell in a hand basket, her phone was going to ring off the hook. When the stuffy Board members at Leopard’s Pointe saw this, she was toast. Those living in the gated community association were rather conservative at best. “No. No!” I can work with this. I can smooth over the nasty comments. Right. Which homeowner would try and crucify her first?

  Her hand shaking, she jerked the paper up to take a closer look. “All the proceeds go to the Women’s Shelter of Richmond.” Well, she had to give the girl’s credit. The patrons would eat and drink up the joint and in the end all monies would go to charity. “Take that nasty county man.”

  Hmm, maybe she could get some nice publicity for Leopard’s Pointe and for the county. Charity and a snazzy event certainly wasn’t illegal and might spice up Chesterfield County. Developing a rather shameless plan of her own, she flipped through her phone until she found the County supervisor’s number. Marcus Miller had helped her during one too many difficult association cases. He also owed her one for a situation that had occurred during a pool event at the community Christmas Party.

  Exhaling, she was calling in the favor. Seeing him sloshed and naked in the pool had been shocking and a complete embarrassment for Marcus. Hiding him until the drunk guests and community leaders left had been way too much fun. “Time to collect on our deal, Mr. Miller.” Before she dialed his number, she stole one look at Mick’s stunning picture. There had been no air brushing needed for the sexy stud-muffin. While she had never seen him in tight white jeans, the effect was utterly breathtaking. Vibrant turquoise silk shirt and tight pants could make any girl swoon. That’s the point girl. “Shut up little voice.”

  Chuckling, Nicky held the paper as she dialed. She was surprised as hell that she reached him on the second ring. “Marcus, Nicky French… Yes, how are you? I know… You're right. It’s been about since Christmas and that party. Remember?” She fought the raging laughter that bubbled in her belly. “Yes, well I need a tiny favor.”

  When Nicky opened the front door, she shook her head and chuckled. Simply seeing the way the girls were dressed, in tight spandex tube tops and black mini-skirts, told her one thing. They had something outrageous planned. “Where are we going, a strip club?”

  “Close,” Candy breathed. “The place is sultry.”

  “Sultry? Why does that terrify me and why don’t I trust you?” Nicky grabbed her purse. “You sure I need to come?”

  “Well, since we’re selecting the outfit you’re going to wear tomorrow night, you bet. Now, come on.” Jerking Nicky’s arm, Veronica gripped firmly, giving her the evil eye.

  “Outfit? I never agreed to dressing up.” Nicky moaned.

  “But you agreed to be one of the possible prizes and we made all the rules since you were sulking like a baby,” Candy said, pursing her lips and blowing Nicky a kiss.

  Nicky gave them both a hateful look. Granted, Candy was right, but she had a terrible feeling she was being forced way over her head on this. Then there was the promise she made to Mick about riding the damn electronic beast. “Okay, but tell me where we’re going.”

  “Why the only place on short notice we can find what we are looking for—Pilates, Pumpkins and Pussycats,” Veronica said with flair as she opened her car door, shoving Nicky into the backseat.

  “The sex store?” Nicky gasped. Memories of a rather infamous event months before could quite possibly drive her into madness.

  “They prefer to be called
a lingerie shop.” Candy slammed the passenger door and glared at her.

  “I beg to differ! I purchased nipple clamps, a flogger and a snazzy hot pink vibrator in that store and I know what kind of merchandise they sell so… don’t… so…” Nicky felt the flush sweep up from the depths of her soul into her face. “Don’t stare at me like that! I’m not a prude you know and besides, the purchases were for that case I was working on.”

  “Case?” Veronica asked as she winked at Candy. “Since when did you join the police force?”

  “Knock it off,” Nicky muttered and fanned her face.

  “Sure they were,” Candy added.

  “Well, we did think you were a prude. Not any longer. Now, we’re going for the really hot kinky toys, girl.” Veronica donned her sunglasses as she popped her gum.

  “I was working on a case! Remember when my developer was impaled on the iron pool gates and shoved full of pink things… condoms and… flamingos and…” Folding her arms, Nicky huffed and gazed out the window. Then there was that hot detective. Now, she shivered.

  “Our girl wonder here means the case she was working on with the cop she almost dated,” Veronica said as she zipped onto the side street.

  “I remember you telling me that. She pushed that little hottie aside, too. Hmm, getting to be a pattern,” Candy chortled.

  “I’ll have you know that he needed to take care of some family business and we’re going to see each other again.” Nicky sighed. Hell, her life was wrapped around a job she hated. What was wrong with her? “Maybe.” They’d left on a sour note given she insisted she needed to concentrate on her career.

  “That’s what I thought. Just let lil ol’ Candy Cane and I take care of you, honey.” Veronica turned up the radio and began singing to an Aerosmith song.

  Barely tuning in, something about being caught in an elevator, as Steven was singing about, sent a series of trickles down her back. She wasn’t into seeing two men, which had kept Mick at bay for months. Now she was free. Unfortunately, Mick wasn’t.